A Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II (serial no A35-068) ordered by the Royal Australian Air Force arrives at RAAF Base Williamtown in New South Wales on 18 December 2024. (Commonwealth of Australia)
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has completed its acquisition of 72 contracted Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II aircraft after the last nine aircraft arrived in the country in November and December 2024, according to the Australian Department of Defence (DoD).
Australia was due to receive the aircraft by the end of 2023. However, deliveries were postponed because of delays in the implementation of the Technology Refresh-3 (TR-3) update, Janes has previously reported. TR-3, according to Lockheed Martin, is a key enabler of ongoing improvements to the F-35 platform. In July 2024 the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) and Lockheed Martin announced that F-35s with TR-3 would start to be sent out to customers in a “phased” manner.
According to the Australian DoD, the nine newly arrived F-35As (with serial numbers ranging from A35-064 to A35-072) have received TR-3, “enabling Block 4 upgrades that will support the new and enhanced capabilities required to meet the evolving threats of the future”.
The Australian DoD said the F-35A aircraft fleet, “in conjunction” with the Boeing EA-18G Growler and F/A-18F Super Hornets, is “the cornerstone of Australia's air-defence and strike capability, as outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy (DSR)”.
DoD imagery of the nine new F-35As indicates that the aircraft arrived at RAAF Base Williamtown between 29 November and 18 December 2024. The aircraft carried the insignia of the RAAF's No 75 Squadron.
Australia's order of 72 F-35As was conducted under its Project Air 6000 Phase 2A/B, which aimed to equip three operational squadrons (3, 75, and 77)
Looking to read the full article?
Gain unlimited access to Janes news and more...
